flunkouts
Those who failed
Flunkouts are students who have been expelled or dismissed from school for failing grades.
The term carries a dismissive or slightly contemptuous edge, emphasizing academic failure as an identity: The program was full of flunkouts from other schools.
Compare dropout, which implies voluntary departure.
People who leave early
- expulsionForced permanent removal
- probationSupervised trial period
- dismissalRemoval from position
- failingFlaw in one's nature
underperformers · washouts · remedial · suspension · withdrawal · attrition · incompletion · poor grades
Performing below one's capability
- difficultyState of being hard
- stumblingWalking clumsily, almost falling
- inabilityLack of capacity
- incapabilityLack of competence
falling behind · incompetence · inadequacy · unpreparedness · overwhelmed · burnout · disengagement · giving up
Denial of acceptance
- exclusionBeing barred from participation
- stigmaMark of dishonor
- embarrassmentSelf-conscious unease
- disappointmentSadness from unmet expectations
setback · derailment · career impact · financial loss · starting over · second chances · redemption · comeback
dropouts
People who leave early
failing · underperformers · washouts · remedial · suspension · withdrawal · attrition · incompletion · poor grades · academic probation
underachievement
Performing below one's capability
- difficultyState of being hard
- stumblingWalking clumsily, almost falling
- inabilityLack of capacity
falling behind · incapability · incompetence · inadequacy · unpreparedness · overwhelmed · burnout · disengagement · giving up · losing hope
rejection
Denial of acceptance
- exclusionBeing barred from participation
- stigmaMark of dishonor
- embarrassmentSelf-conscious unease
disappointment · setback · derailment · career impact · financial loss · starting over · second chances · redemption · comeback
flunkoutsgraduates
Degree recipients
summa cum laude · valedictorians · magna cum laude · completers · alumni
flunkoutsvaledictorians
Highest academic achievers graduating
salutatorians · honor students · scholars · high achievers · overachievers